Happy Birthday to Us!
Charter Night was a wonderful evening with a great balance of formality and fun.
A big thank you to Glenice Yeoman and her team for organizing the night and Mike Abercrombie for steering us through the programme.
We were able to enjoy the company of Honorary members Sue North, Judy Duckworth and Bruce Burton along with Tania Pedersen daughter of Helen and Garry Donoghue. It was also good that Tony Francis, who for those that don’t know has undergone major back surgery, could join us. It was also nice to welcome the Charkow’s home having just returned from visiting their daughter in Colorado, in addition to many members partners.
The chat on the tables flowed freely and the Fib/Fact/Fib game was an interesting way for people to share some for their personal history.
In preparing my introduction I found Brian Hanlon’s book “Giving Back” A History of the Rotary Club of Howick 1961 – 2011 a great source of information. I would commend the book as a good read for new members to learn about the club’s history as well as to older members for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Secretary, Ian Fox has some spare copies if you want to follow up.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Paul Harris double sapphire pins to Colin Monk and Geoff Thompson. The occasion was ably led off by Ian Fox who gave a joint citation for both members. It was then my immense pleasure to present the pins to each of what are incredibly worthy recipients.
A nice touch in the evening was the recognition of all those members present who had served the club for more than 25 years. Asked to stand it was very rewarding for the group to receive a resounding applause from all of those present.
Another highlight was the cutting of the birthday cake which John Richardson as longest serving member and I had the pleasure of doing after dinner. Before cutting the cake Glenice told us about the back story of its arrival, noting that it represented a double celebration of the lives of two very special people the club had lost during the year. Jim Duckworth always made the Birthday cake and iced it every year. Jim’s recipe was going to be used by Glenice to make this year’s cake however a beautiful fruit cake had been made by Judy Pascoe just before she passed away and Malcom with huge generosity donated this cake for the club’s 64th celebration. And for those that want to sort the maths out the 64 represents the completion of 63 years history and marks the beginning of our 64th year!
To add to the fun lots of spot prizes were given out throughout the night and the Marble Competition was won by Jeanette Wylie. The big Have A Go Raffles winners were – 1st Colin Monk and 2nd Rob Mouncey (not again!).
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable Birthday Celebration.
A speedy recovery to all those not up to their best. Take Care and Keep Well.
Rob Mouncey
President
Stop Press: As a result of further vandalism and theft of the plaques around Howick I am working through the local board Chairman to organize a joint community leaders meeting with the police to see what action the community should take to stop this happening.
You are invited to join members of the Zonta Club of East Auckland at Jazz in the Chapel event on Friday 4 October at 7.30.p.m. in St Andrew's Chapel in Vincent Street Howick.